FACE LIFT & NECK LIFT

The natural process of ageing (gravity, sun exposure, and the stresses of daily life) can take its toll on our faces: deep creases appear beside the mouth, the jaw line slackens and folds or fat deposits may appear on the neck.

Facelifts counteract these problems by removing fat and tightening skin and muscles. The desired outcome is to give your face a fresher and more youthful look. This procedure targets folds and creases of laxity; it cannot single-handedly improve the appearance of wrinkles. To achieve the best result for your skin, we recommend a combination of procedures and treatments. These include eyelid surgery, facial implants, Restylane (also to enhance fullness), fat transfers, Botulinum Toxin injections, or laser skin resurfacing to erase wrinkles.

Surgical incisions are made in inconspicuous places such as behind the hairline and in the natural folds of the face and ears. This means that the effect of the surgery will be less visible and surgery- related scars gradually fade over time so that they become almost invisible.

A neck lift or chin liposuction is performed to remove excess fat beneath the chin and tighten the loose skin in the neck. This procedure is a less invasive alternative to a facelift and the procedure can produce dramatic results in the patient whose chin and/or neck has sagged with age or after weight loss.

How is it done?

Normally, facelifts are performed under local anaesthesia with intravenous twilight sedation in an accredited clinic. It is also possible for the procedure to be performed under general anaesthesia in a private hospital.

The facelift procedure usually involves incisions in front of and behind the ear. The incisions may extend into the scalp. In all cases, the incision is placed where it will fall in a natural crease of the skin for camouflage. For ladies, we suggest that you grow your hair longer if it is currently very short as longer hair will hide incisions during the healing process. In men, the incision is aligned to accommodate the natural beard lines.

In some cases, excess skin is removed. Some fat may also be removed  using liposuction. In other cases, the skin and muscle tissues are reshaped. The underlying muscle may be tightened with the skin or separately. After the tightening or removal of excess skin, the skin is re-draped and sutured or stapled in place. Following the surgery, a dressing will be applied to protect the entire area where the incisions have been made.

How long does the surgery take?

The procedure can take anywhere from two to four hours, again depending upon the nature and extent of the face lift. Sometimes other procedures are added in which case the time may increase.

Other procedures that are usually combined with the facelift are eyelid surgery, brow lift or liposuction under the chin.

What should I expect in recovery?

1. Your head will be wrapped in a special form of dressing for 3-5 days to ensure an optimum outcome for your treatment while the area is healing. It is possible that you will experience some discomfort in this time period. If the dressings are too tight and are causing you concern, you may call us so that we can help you feel more comfortable.
2. Some minor pain or discomfort can be managed with either over-the-counter or prescription pain medications.
3. You may also experience moderate swelling or bruising of the eyelids and other areas lasting for about one week while you recover from the procedure. We recommend that you rest at home until the swelling has subsided and that you do not engage in any strenuous activities.
4. The period of recovery may take anywhere from four to six weeks. However, within two weeks, the swelling should be sufficiently reduced to enable you to engage in social activities and return to work. You will be able to conceal any bruises with makeup.
5. A period of six weeks is recommended before resuming any strenuous activity such as gym, yoga or aerobics on account of the internal stitches.
6. By seven weeks, your recovery is usually complete. It is recommended that if you are planning to undergo a facelift, you should allow a minimum of three months before attending major social events.

Dr Tiong’s methods are very safe and effective. Several years of experience combined with his own research and sensitive insights have enabled him to identify and select the best techniques.

What costs are involved?

Surgeon fees start from $5,500* including GST per area. Anaesthetic fee and hospital fees are extra.

*The cost of cosmetic surgery can vary (higher or lower), depending on the complexity of the procedure, the required results, cost of implants, aftercare treatment and the area of the body where the surgery is being performed. Further costs may be incurred for anaesthetist and hospital fees if applicable. For specific pricing information, please arrange a consultation with Dr. Tiong.